Short- and long-term memory retrieval: A comparison of the effects of information load and relatedness.

The separate applications of the Sternberg and fact-retrieval paradigms promote a view that short- and long-term memory are functionally distinct. However, effects of information load and relatedness, observed in both paradigms, support a more unified approach to memory retrieval. The two experiments of this article allow for direct comparison of these effects as observed in a fact-retrieval task, a Sternberg task, and a hybrid precuing task. These experiments are motivated by an associative approach in which performance in all tasks is seen to depend upon a parallel search driven by spreading activation. Decision-time data are explained in an indirect-pathway model with two important features: (a) Pretrial activation levels of areas in memory can vary to reflect differences between short-term and long-term retrieval; and (b) for related material, decisions can be based upon indirect pathways that connect the elements of a test probe through preexperimental associations in memory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prediction of surface tension of athabasca bitumen

Athabasca bitumen was characterized by dividing it into sixteen pseudo components. Using mean boiling point, molecular weight and specific gravity data, the critical properties of the pseudo components were estimated from available correlations. Two approaches for the prediction of bitumen surface tension were investigated. It was found that the surface tensions predicted by the principle of corresponding states and the Rice-Teja correlations were in general agreement with the published experimental data. In addition, these models successfully predicted the effect of temperature on surface tension at temperatures greater than about 60°C.     

Neuroanatomical localization of the motor hand area with magnetic resonance imaging: The left hemisphere is larger in great apes.

Magnetic resonance images of the brain were obtained from 2 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), 4 orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), 14 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and 4 bonobos (Pan paniscus), The region on the motor cortex of humans identified as responsible for motor skill of the hand (the "knob") was identified in this sample on consecutive 1-mm axial scans. The shape of the knob area was traced on each scan from both hemispheres, and the area from all scans was summed to calculate the knob volume. The width of the knob was also measured and correlated highly with knob volume. A significant population-level leftward asymmetry in the volume and width of the knob was revealed (p?     

Assimilation of traumatic experiences and physical-health outcomes: Cautions for the Pennebaker paradigm.

This study reports an application of the assimilation model, a theory of psychotherapeutic change, to an analogue study in which 43 students were asked to write for 20 minutes a day for 4 days ("Pennebaker paradigm") about a traumatic experience. Contrary to expectations based on previous research, participants who showed the greatest change in assimilation level and achieved the highest levels of assimilation during the study subsequently had more health-center visits than participants whose assimilation was less. Qualitative exploratory work suggested that there may be negative consequences of exposing traumatic experiences in the absence of supportive therapy to contain and fully integrate the experiences. A more measured approach to the benefits of brief exposition of traumatic experiences may be warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)